There’s something special about a coffee table book. It’s part art piece, part conversation starter, part personal archive of things you love. But if you’ve ever stared at a sea of glossy covers and thought, “Do I really need a book about French bread or celebrity homes?”—you’re not alone.
Choosing coffee table books is about creating an atmosphere that reflects your world—your love for the arts, theater, dance, and design. So let’s chat about how to curate books that feel like an extension of you, not just random props for a pretty shelf.
✨ 1. Ask Yourself: What World Do You Want to Step Into?
Coffee table books should feel like an open invitation into a world you love.
Ask:
- What do I want to be surrounded by every day?
- Do I want a book that inspires me to create? Or one that makes me pause and admire beauty?
- Do I want books that spark conversation when friends visit?
Maybe it’s the world of Broadway and musicals, ballet and costuming, set design, or even opera posters. Whatever it is—lean into it unapologetically. Check out our Coffee Table Book recommendations here!
🎭 2. Start with What You’re Already Obsessed With
If you’re into the arts (and if you’re here, you probably are), start with books that reflect your favorite artistic passions:
- Dance Photography & Ballet — Think beautifully captured moments of movement and behind-the-scenes studio life.
- Theater & Set Design — For lovers of scenery, mood, and the artistry behind the curtain.
- Costume & Fashion Design — Books that explore costuming on and off the stage (yes, opera costumes count!).
If you’re not sure where to start, check out our Coffee Table Book Club where we break down some of our favorite finds and how to style them in your space.
🌿 3. Mix Sizes, Shapes, and Textures for Visual Impact
Here’s where we get a little artsy: coffee table books are part of the decor—so play with how they look stacked together.
- Large, dramatic books for the bottom—those big ones that feel like set pieces.
- Smaller, more personal books for the top—ones you can easily pick up and flip through.
- Mix covers and textures—linen-bound, photo-heavy, metallic details.
Think of it like designing a set for a performance—each book adds to the scene. Discover Black Ivy one of our February book club selections here.
🩰 4. Don’t Forget Storytelling: Pick Books That Say Something About You
A well-chosen book should tell a story about who you are—and invite others into that story.
Examples:
- A book on Broadway’s history if you grew up loving musicals.
- A collection of ballet photography if you admire the beauty of movement.
- A book on opera costumes for the sheer drama of it all.
Hint: You don’t need to explain it to anyone. If it speaks to you, that’s enough. Like a book we love Joana Vasconcelos: Versailles read about it here.
📚 5. Where to Find the Good Ones (Not Just the Trendy Picks)
Forget whatever’s “trending” in home decor stores—real treasures often live in more artsy corners of the world:
- Bookshop.org — Our affiliate list is full of arts-focused gems. Shop it here.
- Museum Shops — Some of the best arts and design books are published for exhibitions and only sold through museum shops.
- Used Bookstores — For beautiful, out-of-print finds.
- Artist and Publisher Websites — Direct from the creator, often signed or limited edition.
🌟 6. Rotate and Refresh (Like Curating a Gallery)
You don’t have to keep the same books out forever. Rotate them based on seasons, mood, or what you’re working on creatively.
- Winter: Cozy, darker themes—think opera and deep-toned photography.
- Spring/Summer: Light, bright—think costume design, dance, color.
Treat your coffee table like a tiny rotating gallery. We love the variety of artist in Women Painting Women here.
💭 Final Thought
Coffee table books shouldn’t feel like a design cliché—they should feel like a curated collection of what makes you, you. So choose books that inspire you, reflect your love of the arts, and make you feel like you’re stepping into a beautifully crafted set every time you walk into the room.
If you’re looking for some inspiration to get started, check out our Coffee Table Book Club where we explore books for every kind of arts lover.
You don’t need a plan—just curiosity. The Art of Wonder is a self-paced 4-week course to help you slow down, notice more, and reawaken your creative gaze. HERE!
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